Monterey County Disaster Risk
Monterey County, California
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively High
National Percentile
99th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#16
of 58 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
97th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively High
Higher than 97% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively High
Higher than 99% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 29% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively High
Higher than 99% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Monterey County, California
Monterey: High Risk Compared to Nation
Monterey County's composite risk score of 98.73 ranks it as relatively high and well above the national average. This coastal agricultural region faces significant exposure to earthquakes, floods, wildfires, and even tornadoes.
Among California's Highest-Risk Counties
Monterey scores 98.73—nearly 10 points above California's state average of 88.72—placing it in the upper tier of state risk. Its position on the coast and atop the San Andreas Fault zone makes it particularly vulnerable.
Riskier Than Most Regional Peers
Monterey's score of 98.73 exceeds neighboring San Luis Obispo and Santa Cruz counties in overall composite risk. Its combination of coastal exposure, seismic activity, and wildland interface creates compounding hazards.
Earthquake, Flood, and Fire All Major Threats
Monterey faces an exceptional earthquake risk of 99.40, the highest of any hazard, paired with flood risk of 97.30 and wildfire risk of 98.66. Even tornado risk is elevated at 28.66, well above most California counties.
Comprehensive Coverage Is Non-Negotiable
Monterey homeowners should secure earthquake insurance, flood insurance (especially in coastal and low-lying areas), and wildfire/fire protection. These three hazards account for the bulk of your county's risk; standard homeowners policies will not cover earthquake or flood damage.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Monterey County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Monterey County
Risk Verdict
With a national rank of 99th percentile, Monterey County faces above-average natural disaster pressure across several hazard categories. High composite risk signals that multiple hazard types are elevated simultaneously; planning for more than one scenario is important in Monterey County.
Hazard Breakdown
Earthquake risk is Monterey County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 99th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Wildfire ranks second at the 99th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (97th percentile), tornado (29th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Monterey County's primary hazard, earthquake, ranks at the 99th percentile nationally. Unreinforced masonry structures carry the highest injury risk during seismic events; residents in older buildings should check with their municipality about available seismic retrofit programs. Wildfire at the 99th percentile nationally is a separate hazard dimension for Monterey County that requires different protective strategies from earthquake preparedness. After a major earthquake, Monterey County residents should expect water service disruption for 24 to 72 or more hours. Storing a minimum of one gallon per person per day for three days — before any event — is the most direct preparedness action households can take.
Regional Context
Monterey County falls 10.0 points above California's typical county risk level, which means the hazard environment here is notably more demanding than the state baseline.
Is your household prepared for Monterey County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Monterey County, CA?
What types of natural hazards affect Monterey County?
How does Monterey County risk compare to the California average?
Is Monterey County at risk for earthquake?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Monterey County higher risk than average?
Data Source
Risk data sourced from the FEMA National Risk Index (NRI). Risk scores are relative rankings (0–100) across all US counties — not absolute risk measures. Higher scores indicate higher relative risk compared to other counties.
Disclaimer: This data is informational only. It is not financial, insurance, or legal advice. Always consult a qualified professional before making insurance or real estate decisions.